Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America’s 32.5 million small businesses in President Biden’s Cabinet, has announced the launch of T.H.R.I.V.E. (Train, Hope, Rise, Innovate, Venture, Elevate), a reimagined training program for small business leaders, formerly known as emerging leaders.
“T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined initiative will provide up-and-coming small business leaders with tools, knowledge and access to the best and the brightest minds in economic development to help them accelerate their growth and help them become competitive in an increasingly global economy,” said Administrator Guzman. “The Biden-Harris administration continues to do everything possible to empower small business owners to continue powering our nation’s historic economic growth.”
According to U.S. Virgin Islands Senior Area Manager Wayne Huddleston, local area recruitment for the 2022 training cycle has already begun. “U.S. Virgin Island small business owners and entrepreneurs can learn more regarding eligibility, how to apply, program format and locations by visiting www.sbathrive.com or by contacting the local SBA U.S. Virgin Islands Office,” Huddleston said.
SBA’s T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined provides complimentary entrepreneurship education and training for executives of high-performing small businesses. Over six months, this intensive executive entrepreneurship training series includes in-person coaching, self-paced instruction, mentoring and classroom time.
The program allows participants to work with a network of experienced subject matter experts in core business topics like accounting, business strategy, marketing, and human resources customized for the unique needs of small business owners.
“Under Administrator Guzman’s leadership of action and outcomes, we are committed to transforming our learning ecosystem to be timelier and more relevant and meet small businesses where they are right now. We embody this approach with T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined. With this reimagined curriculum building on our rich history, we will expand access to more small businesses, and more locations and increase accessibility through a virtual component. We are energized, mobilized and ready to go,” said SBA Associate Administrator of the Office for Entrepreneurial Development Mark Madrid.
T.H.R.I.V.E.’s reimagined design removes the one-size-fits-all model in exchange for engagement, problem-solving and peer-to-peer interaction within the cohorts. In addition, the new format promotes an ecosystem of business connections among business peers, government leaders and the financial community.
As a result, the training program will help build sustainable and scalable businesses that promote economic development within their communities and the U.S. overall,” said SBA Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands District Director Josué Rivera, who added that interested entrepreneurs should visit the T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined homepage for eligibility requirements, registration and training locations.
Prospective participant applications are being accepted through May 31.
